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Defense is the Rams' best offense in win over Rebels

Scoring returns spark CSU's win over UNLV

By Mike BrohardLovelandReporter-Herald

Posted:
11/10/2012 10:21:23 PM MST

Updated:
11/10/2012 10:21:44 PM MST

FORT COLLINS -- With both offenses struggling to take care of the ball on a cold evening at Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium, Colorado State linebacker Shaquil Barrett took matters into his own hands. Then teammate Shaq Bell decided to follow suit.

And oh, how good that felt. Especially coming off a performance the week before where the unit couldn't get off the field on third down or keep Wyoming from reaching the end zone.

Barrett's 49-yard interception return for a touchdown put the ball in motion for the Rams Saturday night, and Bell followed with a 30-yard grab-and-run off a Bradley Randle fumble, leading to a 33-11 Mountain West victory for Colorado State (3-7 overall, 2-4 MW).

"It felt real good, because our last week, it was a horrible display," Barrett said. "They just did whatever they wanted to do whenever they wanted to do it. To be able to bounce back by holding them to zero until the fourth quarter, that's just great, and it's a good feeling for us."

Colorado State had driven down to the UNLV 8 on its second drive when Conner Smith was intercepted by linebacker Tani Maka. It felt even more empty considering Smith had earlier missed open receivers for what could have been apparent scores.

But instead of folding, the Rams responded. Barrett stepped in front of a Nick Sherry pass, brought it down one-handed and raced for the game's opening score, and the fire was started.

Sherry was intercepted on the next drive, and Bell made it three straight when he picked up the fumble and raced untouched down the sideline as the Rebels fell to 2-9, 2-4.

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"We came in with the mantra that we determine the outcome," CSU coach Jim McElwain said. "We do. No one else. Obviously it helps when you get some defensive touchdowns. I can't say enough of those guys, how they came back, especially on third down based on a week ago. I thought they really did a heck of a job, got off the field, gave us a chance, gave us some short field, and I'm really proud of the way they came out and performed in the game."

The Rams were able to push the lead to 24-0, taking advantage of another Sherry turnover -- a fumble -- and the ability to run the ball strong for a third straight week.

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